Here’s a logic tree to help sort out the debate over Rudy. It doesn't require you to decide whether Rudy is generally a good or bad coach. Either (A) the Rockets’ current level of performance is acceptable, or (B) it isn’t. If (B), then either (C) the problem is that that Francis and Mobley aren’t running the offense intelligently or (D) the problem is something else. If (C), then either (E) Rudy isn’t pushing Francis and Mobley to run the offense intelligently, or (F) they aren’t listening. If (E), then (G) Rudy should be fired. If (F), then either (H) Francis and Mobley will listen to a different coach, or (I) they won’t. If (H), then (G). If (I), then (J) Francis or Mobley should be traded. If (J), Either (K) Rudy will trade one of them, or (L) he won’t. If (L), then (G). Your choices boil down to the following: (A) The Rockets’ current level of performance is acceptable. (D) The problem is not that that Francis and Mobley aren’t running the offense intelligently. (K) Rudy should trade Francis or Mobley. (G) Rudy should be fired. These are all perfectly honorable positions. But if you won’t take one of them, you have to take another.
Excellent, Will! For awhile, I have had the gut level feeling that if the Rockets don't make the play-offs 2 of 3 things would occur - Rudy would get fired (kicked upstairs actually), Cuttino would be traded or Francis would be traded. IMHO, RT and Cat are about equal to occur. But I'm keeping my ballot a secret.
Actually, I want to vote for: Franchise and Cat are running the team Franchise and Cat should be traded and Fire Rudy
hmmm. let me try this. Since, the Maverick's lame defense has been exposed by the Kings, Spurs, Lakers (27 point lead lost in the 4th) and the Rockets in the 1st half...they continue to look primed for a playoff pasting with all that top-notch talent. Either (A) the Mavericks current level of defense is acceptable, or (B) it isn’t. If (B), then either (C) the problem is that Nitwitz and LaFrentz can't play NBA defense or (D) the problem is something else. If (C), then either (E) Nellie isn’t pushing Nitwitz and LaFrentz to hustle on defense, or (F) thhe isn't listening. If (E), then (G) Nellie should be fired. If (F), then either (H) Nitwitz and LaFrentz will listen to a different coach, or (I) thhe won’t. If (H), then (G). If (I), then (J) Nitwitz and LaFrentz should be traded. If (J), Either (K) Nellie will trade one of them, or (L) he won’t. If (L), then (G). Your choices boil down to the following: (A) The Mavericks current level of defensive performance is acceptable. (D) The problem is not that Nitwitz and LaFrentz aren't playing defense. (K) Nellie should trade Nitwitz and LaFrentz (G) Nellie should be fired. Makes sense to me....but there's got to be a flaw in that logic somewhere, because all the Mavericks fans love their team. hmmmm I'll have to look at this a little closer.
I don't think Rudy should be "fired", but I do think we need a new head coach AND new assistants. Then if the new crew couldn't turn the "dynamic duo" {smirk w/a head shake} around, Steve and/or Mobley should be traded. I'd also be shopping for a new PF. By the way - I voted to fire Rudy since that was the closest answer to step 1 of my fix for the Rockets.
Oh, I know the flaw in that logic now. That logic works for every single whining b****ing fan in the league, for e v e r y team. Remember this Will: Even Arthur Liman's brilliant Socratic Method designed to trap Oliver North didn't work. O'Sullivan's common sense prevailed. We are not potted plants here if we think the Socratic Method of pointing fingers and blaiming is intrinsicly flawed used to ensare simply minds like Oliver North, but still fail. <font size="1">I know you were just having fun...so am I. This is a cool day at the BBS.</font> Kick the fans while they are down. It's fun!!
Whats The problem is not that that Francis and Mobley aren’t running the offense intelligently mean? Did you really mean the double-negative?
That logic doesn't look that bad to me. If you put the pull on Mav's forum, I bet most Mav fans will chose A. Overall they are satisfied, and they should be. As you can see, not many people chose A here. Also, the pull means overall performance by the team, not just one specific category.
When you say the current Rockets play is acceptable, do you mean the last few games, or the season as a whole? As a whole, I am happy with how this season has gone. We are playing like crap right now, but every team goes through a stretch where they play like crap. So if you are talking about the last 6 games or so, then no, it is not acceptable, but we shouldn't fire Rudy, trade Francis or Mobley or otherwise do anything that might be considered Hitting The Panic Button. If you are talking about the entire season, then I say it is acceptable.
In your case, Bob, I just want a mindless tally. Oh, and heypee, in your Mavs spoof, I'll take (A). P.S. Raven, I am talking about the season as a whole. Anyone who thinks that we're doing as well as we should expect at this point in Francis's and Mobley's careers, or that they have their off nights but we should be patient with them, should vote for (A).
Well, if Rockets didn't have the #1 pick, or Yao Ming is developing slowly like a lot people thought he would, then I would say the current level of performance is acceptable. But it seems that's not the case. Plus the team doesn't seem to improve after a half season and I don't know how much indication you've seen that the team is going to the right direction. So I can't say I'm satisfied right now. I didn't choose anything because I understand a major change at midseason can only make things worse. But that doesn't mean I'm satisfied with the team's performance.
HP, If the Rox only lost to SAS, LAL, SAC, and the occasional road game, I'd be VEEEEERRRRRY happy. That's why the Mavs fans are happy. Best record in the league so far, vs. teetering on the edge out of the West playoffs. No contest. Your spoof doesn't work.
Since HP brings up the "Socratic Method," I'll pull a Socrates classic and let the old philosopher speak for himself: Well, although I do not suppose that either of us knows anything really beautiful and good, I am better off than he is--for he knows nothing, and thinks that he knows. I neither know nor think that I know. In this latter particular, then, I seem to have slightly the advantage of him. . . There are plenty of persons, as [my students] soon enough discover, who think that they know something, but really know little or nothing: and then those who are examined by [my students] instead of being angry with themselves are angry with me: This confounded Socrates, they say; this villainous misleader of youth!--and then if somebody asks them, Why, what evil does he practise or teach? they do not know, and cannot tell; but in order that they may not appear to be at a loss, they repeat the ready-made charges which are used against all philosophers about teaching things up in the clouds and under the earth, and having no gods, and making the worse appear the better cause; for they do not like to confess that their pretence of knowledge has been detected--which is the truth: and as they are numerous and ambitious and energetic, and are all in battle array and have persuasive tongues, they have filled your ears with their loud and inveterate calumnies. --Plato, in "The Apology of Socrates" The wise has spoken. Let those who need to heed wisdom hear it.
